COVID Dangers For The Disabled

This coronavirus? I tell you, it brought out the best in at least some churches. 

Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada, and I saw it happen when the virus was at its worst. The Johnsons, a special needs family, had spent most of 2020 being extremely cautious and oh, so careful. Jason, their adult son, has a significant disability and a compromised immune system, and the Johnsons were guarded about letting anyone in or out of the house. But somehow, some way, coronavirus snuck through their front door and two family members became extremely ill. And one was Jason. This was frightening, and Jason’s parents found themselves between a rock and a hard place. I mean, they needed help, but who could they ask? They didn’t want to endanger anyone or spread the virus. They could not take Jason to the hospital because the administrators would not allow his parents to stay and take care of him. County services and disability agencies were of no help – local regulations forbid anyone from coming into the home, and so they were stuck. 

But this terrible situation brought out the best in their church. Because a couple of people connected with the church’s disability ministry decided that the risk of catching COVID was no match against the call of Christ to help the needy. The church knew they had to take action. And so, on a rotating basis, three healthy adults shored up their immune systems with vitamins; they donned their masks, face shields and latex gloves and arrived at the Johnson household to serve. Yes, they took a risk. But theirs was a sacrifice of praise, as it says in Hebrews. Right there, these members of Christ’s body, strong members, reached out to make a huge difference in the lives of weaker members. And did it bring glory to God. These friends made the compassion of Christ undeniably, beautifully and powerfully real to this family, as well as to everyone else who looked on. And you know what? Not a one of those helpers got sick. Even Jason recovered. 

Yes, people with disabilities are especially at risk when it comes to coronavirus. And with Monday being Down syndrome awareness day, I am reminded that people with Down syndrome who contract COVID are 10 times more likely to die than most others. So yeah, the needs are great. But the compassion of Christ is far greater. Oh, and come on, entering a home where COVID is spreading infection? Those helpers would have faced the same risk on a mission field where diseases like COVID are a part of life. Now I’m not stating a disability policy here; I mean, people have to respond individually to the call that God puts on their hearts. The call to take risks when you serve people in tremendous need. But what I am saying is, there are many things your church can do, especially when the next pandemic comes over the horizon. And I want you to be prepared. Joni and Friends and our church relations team stand ready to help you work with your leadership and volunteers to get a disability ministry rolling in your congregation. Go to joniradio.org and watch an insightful video on how to structure a disability ministry. I mean, our team did a great job of putting it together, and you will be inspired! So get the ball rolling. Start asking God to raise up people who can serve families like the Johnsons. And begin today by contacting Joni and Friends and our church relations team. We have got some fantastic resources. And visit joniradio.org, and watch this video because it’ll stretch your church’s capacity to serve. Especially in the next pandemic. Oh, and one more thing – pray for those dear friends who served the Johnson family. May God richly reward them for their acts of sacrifice and love.

© Joni and Friends